Letters to the editor Nov. 21

Real issues

With CI-128’s passage strengthening reproductive rights and patient-provider privacy, sexual matters should be less enthralling to state legislators and consume vastly less time.  

Many Montanans may have a tolerance for a variety of things that might challenge other folks’ personal values. Most are established by statute and some have been enacted with voter approval. They include, but are not limited to: Gambling, marijuana, divorce, alcohol, capital punishment, self-defense related fatalities, perjury/bearing false witness, even forms of bigamy.

Subjective assumptions of philosophical or religious “values” or a “Montana way of life” are in the eyes of the beholders.   

Legislators would be wise to concentrate on the real issues of governance: Tax policy, public education, infrastructure, health care access, child protective services, mental health resources and public safety. 

There is little or no need for Montana to sign on to litigation initiated by other states. Nor should the state Constitution be tested by clearly over-reaching legislation. These qualify more as publicity stunts than conscientious governing. 

Looking forward, legislators could prepare for how proposed federal fiscal changes might affect Montana’s economy. Our state receives more in federal revenue than what its citizens pay in taxes.  

• How would significant federal budget cuts alter state priorities?  

• Would import tariffs impact the state’s agricultural exports?  

• What are the pluses and minuses of tourism to a sustainable economic base?  

• Will Montana’s demographics of a proportionately older population call for different state services?

— Margaret S. Davis, Lakeside

Energy policy

I voted, and creating prosperity from energy that keeps Montana’s air and water unspoiled was a priority issue for me.

Along with blustery winds on sunny plains, Montana has an untapped treasure of hot rock in the earth’s crust below our feet, all across our state. Variable wind and sun energy can be leveled with enhanced geothermal baseload energy. And with an upgraded electrical grid we could be flush with the additional energy we’ll need in the coming years.

Congressmen Ryan Zinke and Matt Rosendale, and Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines, do as much as you can as you wrap up this year to gift the treasure of abundant, affordable, reliable, non-polluting energy to Montanans. 

Tim Sheehy and Troy Downing, make this a priority when you take office in January for our children and future generations.

— Robin Paone, Whitefish